great lakes travel guide

The best driving route around the Great Lakes: hit the road on this epic round trip from Chicago

Apr 14, 2022 • 7 min read

This road trip around the Great Lakes is a wonderful way to experience the best of the region © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

A happy marriage of open road and open water, of blacktop and blue swells, a looping tour of the Great Lakes – beginning and ending in Chicago – can take in five states, four of the lakes, and the birthplaces of two music legends.

As much country as it is town, this road trip delivers all the hazy, lazy romance of a beach holiday while staying firmly inland. Take your time, it's an epic journey.

Find beaches, art, and baseball on the drive from Chicago, Illinois to Toledo, Ohio 

Approximately 250 miles

Stick close to the Lake Michigan shoreline and it’s just 20 miles from downtown Chicago to the Indiana border. A handful more and you’ll be in Gary , a once-prosperous steel town that, though now heavily rusted, still has its fans – most of them musical. One of the few tended properties in a rundown neighborhood is the fenced-off two-bedroom bungalow at 2300 Jackson St. This was home to Michael Jackson and his nine siblings, and is where the Jackson 5 was launched. 

Gary is the western bookend of Indiana Dunes National Park , one of the country's newest national parks and a patchwork of beaches, marshland, prairie, scrub, and forest running for 25 miles alongside Lake Michigan. There you can swim, hike, go horseback riding, spot rare plants and birds, and bed down at Dunewood Campground.

Afterward, head east on Interstate 80, to Toledo , Ohio , at the western tip of Lake Erie . This former industrial metropolis is nicknamed "the Glass City" due to it making a lot of glass in its heyday. It was also something of a safe space for mobsters and bootleggers during Prohibition. More recently, Toledo has recovered its mojo, bringing in art lovers to visit the world-class  Toledo Museum of Art , sports fans who pack out the stadium to see the Toledo Mud Hens  (one of the oldest Minor League Baseball teams), and devotees of the Hungarian hot dog .

Stop for some great surf on your drive from Toledo, Ohio, to Bay City, Michigan

Approximately 340 miles

Before you head north up Hwy 23 to the university town of Ann Arbor, where you can fill up on experimental art, vegan cuisine and radical politics, make a detour to Luna Pier , a modest resort town just over the Michigan state line. Here be surfing. Yes, you can surf on the Great Lakes, and at any time of year, but you’re more likely to get the right blustery conditions to do so in fall, winter, and early spring. Lunar Pier has some of Lake Erie’s most popular breaks.

From Ann Arbor, pick up Interstate 69 at Flint and at Port Huron join Hwy 25, which clutches Lake Huron’s supremely scenic western shore – "the sunrise side" – all the way to Saginaw Bay. The coast is punctuated by quaint towns – Lexington and Ports Sanilac, Hope and Austin – and their beaches, lighthouses, marinas, and charter fishing.

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is often referred to as "the mitten," and Saginaw Bay separates the thumb of that mitten from the rest of it. Bay City, the birthplace of Madonna, sits in the crook of that thumb. It’s one of the better spots for surfing.

Drive to Frankenmuth and onwards into Michigan's lower northwest for fresh fish and natural wonders

Approximately 360 miles to Mackinac Bridge

Before you head east across "the mitten" on Hwy 10, a visit to Frankenmuth , aka "Little Bavaria," is in order. The area was settled in the 19th century by Lutheran immigrants from Franconia, Germany, and the town – in its timber-framed architecture, beer and sausage festivals, and German spoken as a second language – has retained more than a flavor of the old country.

At the end of Hwy 10, on the east coast of Lake Michigan, is Ludington, one of the state’s best beach towns, with 28 miles of sandy shoreline, community beach bonfires, and a coal-fired car ferry to and from Manitowoc , Wisconsin. More salmon and trout are caught from Ludington each year than anywhere else, so hire a charter boat and get your catch prepped, broiled or poached at one of many local restaurants participating in Michigan’s Catch and Cook program .

Join Hwy 31, which skirts Lake Michigan for 366 miles and travels north to where the Lower meets the Upper Peninsula , or "the Yoop," via the five-mile Mackinac Bridge, an ethereally elegant piece of engineering that looks plucked from the pages of Greek mythology.

On the way, make time for the myriad virtues of northwest – that is, lower northwest – Michigan. Perhaps you'll stop by the vineyards, wineries and fine-dining establishments in and around Traverse City, a resort town producing 75 percent of the country’s tart Montmorency cherries. Or you could visit the Leelanau Peninsula, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Boyne City and Petoskey, all places with beaches that are mobbed in high season, but still feel untamed and isolated.

Special mention must go to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Its steeply elevated bluffs – which help make up the largest freshwater dune system in the world – beech and maple woodlands and views of Lake Michigan at its most Mediterranean amount to a natural wonder. The Overlook , an observation point on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive , gazes down on a 450ft near-drop. People are warned to not descend because few have the lung capacity to get back up. Surfers are welcome to chance their boards at the public beach in Empire , a candy-colored hamlet of weathered buildings Norman Rockwell could have painted.

Keep heading north into Michigan's Upper Peninsula for shipwrecks and ghost towns 

Approximately 325 miles

Nicknamed "the Deep North," heavily forested and formerly rich, the Upper Peninsula is a place of mystery and of ghosts. Hear some of their stories at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum , at Whitefish Point, west of Munising town. More than 6000 ships and 30,000 lives have been lost on the Lakes, in large part because they lack natural harbors in which vessels can wait out violent storms.

Keweenaw Peninsula , northwest of Marquette, a major port on Lake Superior , is likewise haunted. Native Americans were the first to mine copper in the area, some 7000 years ago, but it took the Ojibwe to sign a treaty in 1842 ceding their mineral-rich lands to the United States for the copper rush, which made more fortunes than California’s gold rush, to gain momentum. Almost all of the mines were shut down during the Great Depression, and relics of the industry – several ghost towns, the erstwhile opera house in Calumet – are all that is now left.

Leave the Upper Peninsula behind for charming small towns and a stop in the cool city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Approximately 555 miles

From Keweenaw Peninsula bear south on Hwy 141 and you’ll be in Wisconsin in a couple of hours. Overshoot Green Bay and hang a left on Hwy 57 into Door County , a narrow spit of land – 75 miles long by 3 miles at its tip – that juts out into Lake Michigan. Mesmerizingly tranquil and comfortably affluent, every square inch of this "Cape Cod of the Midwest" seems to carry a divine stamp. It’s a storehouse of biological diversity. And its towns, such as Egg Harbor and Fish Creek , are stuffed with charm, independent stores, and artisanal bakers.

As a way of weaning oneself off the cozy joys of bucolic Wisconsin and easing oneself into the raw excitement of Chicago, Milwaukee , off I-43, makes the perfect transitional stop. Brew City continues to make beer, but it has diversified its appeal, transforming itself into an assuredly cool arts, music, and festival hub , and some of its neighborhoods , such as Bay View , south of the downtown area, are so hip it hurts.

From there, it’s back to the Chicago. But not without a carful of memories, a camera full of photographs, and a head full of beach hair.

You might also like: Top 7 day trips from Chicago    The best time to visit Michigan: a season-by-season guide    Save your money and spend time enjoying free things in Milwaukee   

This article was first published Sep 25, 2019 and updated Apr 14, 2022.

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Looking for some of the most beautiful travel destinations in the Great Lakes Region? The Great Lakes are home to harbor towns, soft sand beaches, rugged cliffs and waterfalls. These 15 Great Lakes destinations make for a perfect getaway!

why this blog?   hi there! My name is Maddy, and I’ve lived most of my life in the Great Lakes Region, working as an outdoor adventure guide & guidebook writer. I grew up in Michigan, spending almost every summer and many winters at my Grandparents cabin in the woods in Northern Michigan. After college, I began working as an adventure guide on Lake Superior! I’m so excited to show you around some of the beautiful places in the Great Lakes!

Best Great Lakes Travel Destinations

The Midwest is often overlooked as a travel destination, but the Great Lakes Region is a true hidden gem. Sometimes called the “third coast” or “north coast”, the Great Lakes mark the US-Canadian Border. Here, you can find rugged cliffs, waterfalls, beaches, and more!

The Great Lakes Region is the perfect travel destination for outdoor lovers, a relaxing getaway, or anyone looking for off-the-beaten-path adventure. Here, I’ll focus on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan destinations. Here’s a breakdown of where to travel in the Great Lakes region:

Note: This post contains affiliate links! That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

What to pack for Great Lakes Adventures:

Summers on the Great Lakes can be chilly, particularly in June and early July! Pack for a variety of weather conditions. I recommend…

• A lightweight, long hiking pant. I use  this pair  from Kuhl or this budget-friendly pair from REI. I wear a women’s size 8 short and have found that both of these pairs are both flattering & functional!
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my  Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my  Smartwool baselayers  are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. The basic REI stuff lasted about a season, my Icebreakers top also didn’t really last long. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my  Bridger Mids.  Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with  Darn Tough  hiking socks. 
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer along the coast, especially evenings. My partner Andy (also a wilderness guide) swears by the  Patagonia Nano Puff . I like my  Helly Hansen Liftloft . 
• A Tent:  Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my  Perimeter 35L , made by local (to me!) Two Harbors company Granite Gear. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack.
• Sleeping Bag: Check out the  Nemo Disco  down sleeping bag for the perfect comfortable set up for chilly nights. Pair with a comfortable sleeping pad .
• A raincoat. I love the  Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen ; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

1) The Sleeping Bear Dunes

Ever wanted to watch the sunset 400 feet above Lake Michigan? Or swim in crystal clear, salt-free water? Look no further than Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Located on the edge of Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes have some of the best hiking trails in the Midwest. Between bike trails and beaches, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are one of the best travel destinations in the Great Lakes.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is great place for families! Beaches like North Bar Lake Beach provide easy access to both Lake Michigan and a smaller warm lake, and there are many easy hikes in the Sleeping Bear Dunes .

When visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes, pack a lunch! While there are plenty of trails, there are very few restaurants in the area. The few restaurants will be crowded and have long wait times. There are several campgrounds within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, including DH Day Campground and the Platte River Campground. Book your campsite in advance online at Recreation.gov .

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to some of the best Great Lakes beaches, like Esch Road Beach pictured above. If you’re wondering where to travel in the Great Lakes region, make sure Sleeping Bear is near the top of your list.

Read: 25 Best Things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

2) leland, michigan.

Tucked away in the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula, Leland has beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan, hiking trails, wildflowers, and crystal clear water. One of the best harbor towns in the Grand Lakes, Leland is home to the adorable riverside Fishtown.

Historic Fishtown is a great place to walk the docks, and eat local smoked fish. My favorite Fishtown activity is to have a small picnic on the docks and watch for fish in the Leland River below, then head out to the Clay Cliffs for a quick hike.

Leland is a perfect Great Lakes travel destination, with similar beaches to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, beautiful hiking trails, but somewhat crowded. While summer is the busiest and traditionally beautiful month, visit in the fall to avoid the crowds.

3) Traverse City, Michigan

Located at the base of the Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is the cherry capitol of Michigan. If you’re looking to get Up North and looking for an exciting place to base camp for the week, Traverse City is the Great Lakes summer vacation spot.

In town, you can walk, bike, or swim right on the harbor. Traverse City is also home to several awesome breweries with delicious food, including North Peak Brewing Company , Rare Bird Brewpub , and The Shed Beer Garden .

Traverse City is surrounded by great hiking and paddling options on all sides. From Traverse City, it’s easy to day trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland, Torch Lake, or the Manistee National Forest. After a long day on the trails, head up to the Mission Point Lighthouse for a perfect sunset.

For 54 pages of hiking, secret swimming holes, campsites, overlooks, beaches, and more, download the Exploring Michigan eBook

4) torch lake, michigan.

Torch Lake is best known for its Caribbean blue waters. At 19 miles long and 2 miles wide, Torch Lake offers endless potential for boaters, fishermen, and water lovers.

The most popular spot on Torch Lake is located at its southern end. The best spot on Torch Lake is the Torch Lake sandbar, which can only be accessed by boat. Here, the water’s of Torch Lake hover between six feet and six inches deep, making it the perfect spot for swimming! Nearby public access can be found on the Torch River, or at various other spots on the Chain of Lakes.

Be especially careful on Torch Lake! Unsurprisingly, the area is as popular as it is beautiful. When paddling and swimming on the lake, lookout for careless boat drivers. If you are in a motorized boat, watch for swimmers with extra care.

While Torch Lake itself is a dream to swim in, did you know Torch Lake is just one in a chain of beautiful lakes? Elk Lake is also a beautiful spot to visit and get away from the crowds, and Lake Skegemog has beautiful wildlife. Torch Lake is just a few miles away from the Lake Michigan shoreline, and Barnes Park Campground is a perfect place to pitch a tent.

When you’re visiting Torch, be sure to check out town of Bellaire, Michigan. Bellaire’s Short’s Brewing Company is my favorite brewery in the state! Nearby, you can go for a peaceful paddle on the crystal clear Grass River. The Bellaire area is also home to great hiking, skiing, and mountain biking . Between tropical water and beautiful trails, the Torch Lake area is a must see Great Lakes destination.

Check out the ultimate all-season guide to Bellaire, Michigan!

5) the pictured rocks.

Ever dream of colorful cliffs and clear water? While Lake Michigan has soft sand dunes, Lake Superior has rugged cliffs, long hiking trails, and remote sea kayaking routes.

The Pictured Rocks are a bucket list item for any traveller. This national lakeshore has both family friendly hiking trails and more difficult treks. Near the lakeshore, you can find massive sandstone cliffs with waterfalls into the lake. Hike through the forest for more waterfalls and wildflowers, or take a swim in ice cold Lake Superior.

In the Pictured Rocks you can swim, take a boat tour of the cliffs, sea kayak, hike, and more. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the perfect Great Lakes summer vacation destination for families and hardcore hikers both.

Note: Sea kayaking on Lake Superior can be incredible dangerous! Risks include fog, large waves, and hypothermic water temperatures. Read more about the risks of sea kayaking Lake Superior here .

Read: 30 Best Things to do In the Pictured Rocks!

6) the keweenaw peninsula.

When most people flock to the Sleeping Bear Dunes or Pictured Rocks for their summer vacation, why not head farther north? The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan is a beautiful and off the beaten path Great Lakes destination for travelers looking for adventure!

In the Keweenaw Peninsula, you can find beautiful sand beaches, rugged mountain biking trails, waterfalls, hiking trails, and more! For guided sea kayaking tours or mountain biking expertise, visit the Keweenaw Adventure Company located in Copper Harbor, Michigan.

Pictured above is Bete Gris Beach and Wetlands Preserve , a beautiful spot for a swim in Lake Superior.

Overall, the Keweenaw Peninsula is the perfect place for anyone wondering where to travel in the Great Lakes to beat the crowds and have an adventure.

7) Ashland, Wisconsin

Located at the end of the Chequamegon Bay, Ashland is a great compromise between a small Great Lakes harbor town and a small vibrant city. Ashland is the perfect Great Lakes summer vacation spot for families looking for both great access to the outdoors and a variety of things to do in town.

Pictured above is one of the many cascades in Copper Falls State Park, only a half hour drive from Ashland.

From Ashland, Wisconsin, you have easy access to day trip to the Apostle Islands, Copper Falls State Park , Pattison State Park, and Amnicon Falls State Park . Ashland is the perfect spot for anyone looking to see as much of Wisconsin’s Northwoods as possible in a short amount of time.

8) Bayfield, Wisconsin

If you’re seeking a sleepy Great Lakes harbor town with sailboats, islands, and beautiful hiking, visit Bayfield, WI. Bayfield is a small but charming town right in the shores of Lake Superior. In recent years, Bayfield has gained popularity as a sea kayaking destination . But there’s more to do in Bayfield than paddle!

From Bayfield, head over to Madeline Island for adventures in cliff jumping. Drive out to the Lakeshore Trail on the mainland during a bad weather day to experience the full power of Lake Superior.

Visit Lost Creek Falls in Cornucopia for a nearby, family friendly hike. Overall, Bayfield is a perfect Great Lakes summer vacation spot for people of all ages.

Check out 30 things to do while visiting Bayfield, Wisconsin

9) the apostle islands wilderness.

Just outside of Bayfield, you can find one of the most overlooked wilderness areas in the Midwest. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is home to 21 wilderness islands in Lake Superior!

A trip through the Apostle Islands will take you far from mainland and out into the heart of Lake Superior. Explore sea caves, beaches, crystal clear water, and observe wildlife. In my opinion, Stockton Island is the best island in the Apostles. But you don’t have to take it from me! Start planning that overnight sea kayaking trip for yourself!

The Apostle Islands are not a beginner level sea kayaking trip! All paddling in the Apostle Islands requires safety equipment, knowledge of Lake Superior weather patterns, and sea kayaking experience. Read kayaking safety on Lake Superior here . To book a guided day sea kayaking trip or an overnight adventure in the Apostle Islands, visit Lost Creek Adventures .

Especially beautiful in August, the Apostle Islands Wilderness is a bucket list Great Lakes destination. If you’re wondering where to travel in the Great Lakes Region for maximum adventure and solitude, head to the Apostle Islands.

Check out 30 Best Things to Do in the Apostle Islands & Bayfield

10) two harbors, minnesota.

On the Minnesota side of Lake Superior, Two Harbors is a great spot to basecamp on the North Shore. Visit the iconic Castle Danger Brewery and watch the Great Lakes ships come and go from the Two Harbors Lighthouse.

After your time in town, head north along Highway 61 towards Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Gooseberry Falls is one of the best ADA-accessible places to experience the North Shore of Minnesota. In addition to some of the most family friendly hiking trails, Gooseberry Falls State Park also has some of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in Minnesota.

While Gooseberry has waterfalls, Split Rock Lighthouse is just slightly farther north and has incredible views of the rugged Lake Superior Shoreline. Split Rock is the perfect place for a picnic on your way farther north!

Love FREE detailed hiking & trail guides? Want detailed road trip advice, links to incredible campsites, and more? Join the  Hello Stranger Newsletter  for outdoor advice from your favorite paddling guide/indie outdoor writer (me!)

11) tettegouche state park.

Another incredible spot along the North Shore is Tettegouche State Park with massive cliffs and waterfalls! Tettegouche is one of the most popular North Shore photography locations and for good reason. There are four different waterfalls in Tettegouche State Park, and multiple incredible overlooks.

Although the park is busy, you can still find solitude on some of the more difficult trails and Superior Hiking Trail Spurs. My favorite spot in Tettegouche State Park is Palisade Head (pictured above).

12) Grand Marais, Minnesota

Are you searching for the best harbor town in the Great Lakes? Look no further than the sleepy coastal small town of Grand Marais. Between Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters, Grand Marais is one of the best Great Lakes summer vacation spots.

While in Grand Marais, spend your day hiking some of the great trails in the area, out on one of the many local lakes, or just exploring town!

While most people only visit Grand Marias in the summer, this town is a perfect all season getaway. With cross country skiing and frozen waterfalls in the winter, leaf peeping in the fall, waterfalls in spring, and an idyllic summer, it doesn’t get much better than Grand Marais.

Read about the best winter adventures in Grand Marais!

13) the gunflint trail.

After leaving Grand Marais, take a trip up the Gunflint Trail into the heart of the Boundary Waters. The Gunflint Trail is a road that winds past inland lakes deep into the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

While most people head into the BWCA to canoe, there’s more to do than paddle! Hike one of the many trails along the Gunflint Trail, fish some of the inland lakes, or watch a lakeside sunset.

The Gunflint Trail and BWCA are connected to Lake Superior both in watershed and culturally. The Anishinabee/Ojibwe people once guided French fur traders through the Boundary Waters, along the Lakes and then out to Lake Superior. Eventually, this journey led to Montreal.

Although today the BWCA and Lake Superior are mostly seen for their recreational value, these areas still have cultural and ancestral ties to the Anishinabee People.

Hike the best hiking trails along the Gunflint Trail

14) grand portage, minnesota.

Located on the land of the Grand Portage band of Anishbabee/Ojibwe, Grand Portage is a beautiful place to learn about the history and culture of Lake Superior. Visit Grand Portage National Monument , one of the only US National Parks run by an Indigenous Tribe (Grand Portage Ojibwe) and the park service together.

Grand Portage has beautiful hiking trails, the largest waterfall in Minnesota, incredible views of Lake Superior, and the incredibly unique and valuable Grand Portage National Monument.

15) Isle Royale National Park

Perhaps the single best Great Lakes travel destination, Isle Royale National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the Great Lakes. Here, you can see wolves, moose, foxes, eagles, and more.

Isle Royale is an isolated National Park 18 miles from the nearest mainland. The island can only be reached by boat or plane, and is home to some of the best backpacking trails in the Midwest.

Isle Royale is perfect for people looking for the ultimate Great Lakes adventure. The island is closed in the winter months due to inaccessibility, but Isle Royale makes for the perfect backcountry summer vacation.

Check out a detailed guide to visiting Isle Royale National Park

Love exploring the midwest and great lakes region check out these midwest adventure ideas.

• Read about 9 Incredible Michigan Road Trip Ideas
• Explore the best winter travel destinations in the Midwest!
• Check out the most beautiful Midwest Summer Vacation Spots!

free resources like this one are made possible by paying subscribers of the  Hello Stranger Newsletter .  Join the newsletter today to connect with thousands of like-minded adventurers and get gritty and honest adventure stories delivered right to your inbox (aka read my diary).

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The five interconnected Great Lakes (Superior, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Huron) are impressive enough taken singly. Taken as a whole, the Great Lakes form the largest body of fresh water in the world; Lake Superior alone is more than three hundred miles from east to west. The shores of these inland seas can rival any coastline: Superior and the northern reaches of Lake Michigan offer stunning rocky peninsulas, craggy cliffs, tree-covered islands, mammoth dunes and deserted beaches. Such natural amenities and marvels stand in contrast to the areas along Lake Erie, and the southern environs of lakes Michigan and Huron, where sluggish waters lap against massive conurbations and ports that have seen better days.

Brief history

To varying degrees, the principal states that line the American side of the lakes – Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota – share this mixture of natural beauty and heavy industry. Cities such as Chicago and Detroit, for all their pros and cons, do not characterize the entire region, although the former’s magnificent architecture, museums, music and restaurants make it a worthy destination. Within the first hundred miles or so of the lakeshores, especially in Wisconsin and Minnesota, tens of thousands of smaller lakes and tumbling streams are scattered through a luxuriant rural wilderness; beyond that, you are soon in the heart of the Corn Belt, where you can drive for hours and encounter nothing more than a succession of crossroads communities, grain silos and giant barns.

Getting around the Great Lakes region can be a challenge without a car, but with a little planning it can be fairly manageable, with frequent air and bus connections between the main cities and Amtrak passing through most larger places, if only once daily.

The first foreigner to reach the Great Lakes, the French explorer Champlain, found the region in 1603 inhabited mostly by tribes of Huron, Iroquois and Algonquin. France soon established a network of military forts, Jesuit missions and fur-trading posts here, which entailed treating the native people as allies rather than subjects. After the French and Indian War with Britain from 1754 to 1761, however, the victorious British felt under no constraints to deal equitably with the Native Americans, and things grew worse with large-scale American settlement after Independence. The Black Hawk War of 1832 put a bloody end to traditional Native American life.

Settlers from the east were followed to Wisconsin and Minnesota by waves of Scandinavians and Germans, while the lower halves of Illinois and Indiana attracted Southerners, who attempted to maintain slavery here and resisted Union conscription during the Civil War. As regards culture and ideological inclinations, these areas still have more in common with neighbouring Kentucky and Tennessee than with the industrial cities of their own states.

The demands of the Civil War encouraged the growth of industry in the region, with its abundant supplies of ores and fuel, as well as efficient transport by water and rail. As lakeshore cities like Chicago, Detroit and Cleveland grew in the early twentieth century, their populations swelled with hundreds of thousands of European immigrants and poor blacks from the South. But a lack of planning, inadequate housing and mass lay-offs at times of low demand bred conditions led to the riots of the late 1960s and continuing inner-city deprivation. Depression in the 1970s ravaged the economy – especially the automobile industry, on which so much else depended – and gave the area the unpleasant title of “Rust Belt”. Since then, cities such as Cleveland have revived their fortunes to some degree, although the current economic crisis has hit the region especially hard. Times have remained tough for Detroit, and the city declared bankruptcy in 2013, making it the largest American city to do so.

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Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary: Travel Guide To Exploring The Region

Experience the splendor of each of the five Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario) with this ten-stop ~1,300-mile road trip. The Great Lakes, massive freshwater lakes that almost appear to resemble the ocean based on their sheer size, are certain to amaze. This road trip starts in Chicago, Illinois, takes you north up Wisconsin and into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, continues around the peninsula, and then down Michigan, along the northern coastline of Ohio, northeasterly to Niagara Falls, and ends in Toronto.

IN THIS GREAT LAKES ROAD TRIP GUIDE:

• Travel Tips
• Stop 1: Chicago
• Stop 2: Milwaukee
• Stop 3: Green Bay
• Stop 4: Munising / Lake Superior
• Stop 5: Mackinac Island / Lake Huron
• Stop 6: Bay City / Lake Huron
• Stop 7: Detroit
• Stop 8: Sandusky / Lake Erie

Stop 9: Niagara Falls

• Stop 10: Toronto / Lake Ontario
• …and more

Travel Tips and Practicalities

Fly into the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to start this road trip and fly home via the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (assuming you’re ending the trip in Toronto). Finding flights should be easy as both are large airports. If you’re flying home via a USA airport, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) and Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) are two options. You can  view current flight deals here  and additional hotel options here for any of the destinations we mention below.

Renting a car to navigate this journey will be the most efficient (unless you’re a local or driving long distance), but be prepared for a probable one-way fee. If the fee for dropping off in another country is excessive, consider returning the car in New York and then find other modes of transportation to Toronto and Niagara Falls.

Stop 1: Chicago, Illinois – Lake Michigan

Chicago, set on the banks of Lake Michigan, is an excellent starting point for this road trip. Since this trip is centered on savoring in the Great Lakes, make time to at least walk along the Navy Pier that stretches out over Lake Michigan. Maybe even take a cruise out onto Lake Michigan, and try at least a few of Winetraveler’s selection of must-visit wine bars in Chicago.

If you give yourself more time in this energetic city, soak in the city’s legendary architecture by taking a cruise down the Chicago River and/or strolling down Chicago Riverwalk. Tickets for the cruise can be purchased here . Stroll around Millenium Park, and make it to the iconic modern art sculpture, the Cloud Gate (better known as “The Bean”). Don’t go to Chicago without trying at least one deep-dish pizza from favorites such as Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and/or Pizzeria Uno.

Soar high up above the city by riding the elevators to the observation floors on the 103 rd floor of the Willis Tower f/k/a Sears Tower (Skydeck Chicago) and the 94 th floor of 360 Chicago (still colloquially referred to as the John Hancock Center).

From Skydeck Chicago, glass cube ledges extend over 4 feet from the edge of the building. It may be a little intimidating to step onto the glass floor from over 100 floors high, but the bird’s-eye view is unique and quite an experience.

The 360 Chicago offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan along with skyline city views. From 360 Chicago, engage in the tilting experience whereby you step onto a glass-enclosed balcony with a moveable platform that tilts downward over the edge of the building for a brief moment. Alternatively or additionally, grab a pricey cocktail at the Signature Lounge on the 96 th floor. While the drinks are on the pricer side, the admission is free and the views are unforgettable (planning to reopen for service on April 9, 2021).

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is a great hotel for families located in the heart of many of Chicago’s finest attractions. It’s only about ~0.7 miles west of the Navy Pier. The Allegro Royal Sonesta , with an old-style boutique feel, is also a lovely stay within walking distance to many sites.

If you’re hungry for a bratwurst and/or are looking for a lively atmosphere to watch a sports game, stop in at Brat Stop in Kenosha on your way to Milwaukee. Brat Stop has been around since 1961 and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

While in Kenosha, satisfy your craving to try Wisconsin cheeses with a stop at Tim and Tom’s Cheese Shop . The store displays many refrigerators full of a variety of Wisconsin cheeses, along with sausage, cheesy popcorns, condiments, and more. If you have ever wanted a foam cheese hat or other fun items, you may be in luck here.

Drive ~90 minutes to Milwaukee. 

Stop 2: Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Lake Michigan

Milwaukee is a beautiful city situated along Lake Michigan. Stroll along the lake and around the expansive parks with open fields. Immerse yourself in museums, such as Discovery World (plans to re-open on March 27, 2021), the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Charles Allis Art Museum (still appears to be closed as of the time of this writing, but hopefully will re-open by the time of your trip). The Milwaukee County War Memorial serves as a memorial to honor Wisconsin’s men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces. Posters along the walls contain pictures of fallen soldiers with notes paper-clipped from loved ones.

Drive ~1 hour 45 minutes to Green Bay.

Stop 3: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay has many options for the whole family, from Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, the National Railroad Museum, botanical gardens, a wildlife sanctuary, an amusement park, a zoo, and much more. Try some wines at the nearby Ledgestone Vineyards & Winery (in-person visits by reservation only until at least Spring 2021).

Winetraveler Tip: Door County is only ~45 minutes from Green Bay. Explore Door County with Winetraveler’s: How to Spend a Few Days in Door County Wisconsin .

For those traveling with kids, the Tundra Lodge Resort Waterpark & Conference Center  has an indoor waterpark and arcade. There’s an on-site restaurant and the lobby features large wooden timbers and a 45-foot stone fireplace. The Lambeau Field is visible from the hotel and is only a 6-minute drive from downtown Green Bay.

Lake Michigan will be visible during a decent portion of the drive. You will pass into Michigan, and through the Escanaba River State Forest and the Hiawatha National Forest. The state of Michigan touches four of the Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.

Drive ~3.5 hours to Munising.

Stop 4: Munising, Upper Peninsula of Michigan – Lake Superior

To experience Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Superior, getting onto the water is a must. The rocky cliffs stretch for 15 miles along the shoreline. Take a cruise along the incredible rocky shore to admire the brilliantly colored cliffs, sea caves, and pristine beaches. The most popular cruise is ~2.5-hours which takes you ~32 miles roundtrip. Book your cruise here . The size of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, with a surface area of 31,700 square miles, amazes many travelers. To put its size in perspective, it’s approximately the size of Austria or South Carolina.

The options for outdoor enthusiasts (seasonally dependent in some instances) include hiking, fishing, and hunting (with licenses), kayaking, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. The National Park Service’s website lists numerous hiking trails of varying lengths.

The Holiday Inn Express Munising – Lakeview , located up on a hill on the shorelines of Lake Superior, offers balconies featuring stunning Lake Superior views. Before retiring to bed, relax on the balcony with a glass of wine and listen to the waves crash against the shore while the light of the moon shines down into the lake. The Duck Pond is a cute little restaurant, just over 2 miles from the hotel, with delicious food and many local beer options.

The Mackinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. It is ~5 miles long and is one of the world’s largest suspension bridges. Lake Michigan is to the west of the bridge, and Lake Huron is to the east.

Drive ~2 hours down the Upper Peninsula, and continue southward down the iconic and spectacular Mackinac Bridge and to Mackinaw City. From Mackinaw City, take a ~16-minute ferry to Mackinac Island.

Stop 5: Mackinac Island, Michigan – Lake Huron

Be swept away by the charm and history felt at every step on the small Mackinac Island. The fact that no cars are permitted enhances the charm. Modes of transportation include horse-drawn carriage rides, bicycles, and walking. Walk around the island, admire the old-style homes, old churches, tour the Fort Mackinac, shop, dine, and don’t forget to try the fudge. While in Mackinaw City, taste local wines at Mackinac Island Winery .

Stay overnight in Mackinaw City and/or Mackinac Island. If you stay in Mackinaw City, the Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn is located along the shore of Lake Huron, lakefront balconies are available, and the hotel is within walking distance to the ferry to Mackinac Island. For those staying overnight on Mackinac Island, the historic and elegant Grand Hotel  is an icon.

Drive ~2.5 hours to Bay City. If time management isn’t pressing, drive along US 23 Heritage Route along the Lake Huron shoreline (which would extend the trip by about 100 minutes).

Stop 6: Bay City, Michigan – Lake Huron

Stroll in and out of boutique shops, pretty churches, many parks, over the river via the scenic Saginaw Pier, and walk along Saginaw River via the Riverwalk Trail in the charming Bay City. Ship enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys ships should visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship and/or reserve a sailing experience onto Lake Huron aboard the schooners Appledore IV or Appledore V.

The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bay City – Riverfront , on the Saginaw River, is conveniently located in the historic downtown area and across the river from the Veterans Memorial Park. The romantic Historic Webster House Bed and Breakfast  offers classic elegance.

Drive ~1 hour 40 minutes to Detroit.

Stop 7: Detroit, Michigan

Make time to explore Detroit, as it is about the halfway point between Bay City and Sandusky. The famous Detroit Zoo, a zoo that extensively uses exhibits without bars, is a great stop. The zoo is home to giraffes (that you can feed!), grizzly bears, polar bears, seals, gorillas, anteaters, rhinos, penguins, wolves, kangaroos, and so much more. The Arctic Ring of Life has a 70-ft. tunnel that passes under a pool for polar bears. Lucky travelers will see a polar bear swim overhead. Seeing a seal swimming is much more likely.

Drive ~2 hours to Sandusky.

Stop 8: Sandusky, Ohio – Lake Erie

Sandusky, situated on the shores of Lake Erie, is best known for the Cedar Point Amusement Park. Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers  is a luxury hotel located along a soft sandy beach at the shores of Lake Erie and right next to the Cedar Point Amusement Park (plans to re-open in May 2021) and Cedar Point Shores water park. Walk along the beach, the boardwalk, go to the amusement park, sunbathe at the beach, and go swimming. Watch the sunset below the rollercoasters.

Drive ~4.5 hours to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. If time permits, stop overnight in Cleveland and/or many other places along the Erie shore en route to Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls, the collection of three breathtaking waterfalls that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of New York is spectacular. It’s the world’s fifth-largest waterfall by flow rate. There are many lovely hotels boasting fall-view rooms. The Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa  is a great option. The views of the falls from the rooms are incredible. At night, changing colors of lights project the falling water. Snuggle up with your special someone in your room with a glass of wine and listen to the roaring sound of the waterfalls while watching the night show.

Winetraveler Tip : For those who don’t mind the cold, consider planning your visit during the winter. Many things will be closed for the season, including the Maid of the Mist, but you might get a great deal on a falls-view room.

Easily turn your Niagara stay into a wine tasting vacation with Winetraveler’s Niagara Escarpment (New York) & Buffalo Itinerary: Top Wineries, Restaurants & Hotels .

Drive ~90 minutes to Toronto.

Stop 10: Toronto, Ontario – Lake Ontario

Toronto, a lively city, with much to explore is right along the shores of Lake Ontario. Ride the elevator up to the 114th floor of the CN Tower for floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Ontario, as well as the city. The 113th floor has a small segment of windows on the floor brave tourists can stand, sit, and walk across.

Ripley’s Aquarium is right next door and a great family place. The Casa Loma , a gorgeous gothic-style castle, is not to be missed. Scope out great food and drinking spots while in the city, and of course, Winetravelers should try Ice Wine .  

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto  is essentially right across the street from the CN Tower. The Rogers Centre, CN Tower, the railroad museum, Lake Ontario, and Ripley’s Aquarium are all visible from the hotel. The CN Tower is lit up at night with lights that change colors.

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Visit the Great Lakes

Stretching across eight US states and the Canadian province of Ontario, the Great Lakes are huge inland seas containing 21% of the world’s surface fresh water.

The five lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario — were carved out by retreating glaciers some 10,000 years ago and are connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River. They have long been a major transportation route for industrial materials such as iron ore, coal and limestone.

However, in stark contrast, the lakes also provide crucial wildlife habitats and are a scenic backdrop for a wide range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, diving, boating and fishing.

Visitors are struck by the clarity of these pristine waters, the silence of the forested wilderness and the variety of wildlife to be seen, from moose, deer and migratory birds to bears and eagles.

It's easy to explore some of the thousands of tranquil lighthouse-peppered islands while the quaint towns and resurgent cities provide vibrant nightlife and dynamic museums, and are greatly influenced by the lakes themselves.

Best time to visit the Great Lakes

The climate of the Great Lakes region ranges from extremely cold winter temperatures, regularly as low as minus 30°C (minus 20°F), to pleasantly hot, humid and sunny summers.

The best time to travel is during the spring and autumn (May, June, September, October) but be aware of mosquitoes during June.

Our Great Lakes highlights

Explore chicago.

Explore the superb beaches, architecture, shopping and nightlife of the beautiful city of Chicago .

Go to Milwaukee

Explore this revitalized city of Milwaukee , try some craft beers and visit the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Enjoy the hiking and walking trails of the Door Peninsula

Scenic coastal hiking trails await on the rugged Lake Michigan Door Peninsula .

Experience Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Take a guided tour of the 122 meter-high coastal Sleeping Bear Dunes on Lake Michigan.

Discover Mackinac Island

Turn the clock back and discover the pretty traffic-free Mackinac Island .

Spend time in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Explore the scenery, walking trails and wildlife in this unspoilt peninsula.

Look for wildlife in Isle Royale National Park

Get back to nature and look for bears and moose in the little-visited Isle Royale National Park .

Take a cruise around Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Take a leisurely boat trip around Wisconsin’s pretty lighthouse-studded islands.

Visit the Henry Ford Museum

Devoted to the motor car and American inventions, this is a fascinating Detroit museum.

Some of our favorite places in the Great Lakes

Chicago is the third largest city in the USA. Known as the Windy City, this great metropolis boasts a skyline of towering skyscrapers, including the renowned Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower).

On the southwest shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a city of genuine American charm. It's perhaps best known for motorcycles and the Harley-Davidson museum is a particular highlight.

Door Peninsula

Separating Green Bay from Lake Michigan, the Door Peninsula is popular for its 300 miles of picturesque shoreline and is known for its cherry and apple orchards.

Great places to stay in the Great Lakes

The Peninsula Chicago

Cherry Tree Inn & Suites

Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Rock Harbor Lodge

Isle Royale National Park

Brewhouse Inn & Suites

Start planning your trip to the great lakes.

Classic Great Lakes self-drive tour

13 days from $3,865pp

Complete Route 66 self-drive tour

17 days from $7,230pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• Route 66 vacations
• New England highlights guide
• Driving vacations in the United States
• Where to go in the US by season

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